Live Generously

It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do.  But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.

Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.”  He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.

“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Matthew 5:38-42

When we are wronged often our first reaction is to get even. Instead, Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us. Our desire should not be to keep score but to love and forgive. This reverses our natural inclination and requires supernatural help. Only God can give us the strength to love as He does. Instead of planning to get even, pray for those who hurt you. According to Jesus, showing justice and mercy to others accomplishes more than demanding it for yourself.

I like the way the Message translation describes this, “use the occasion to practice the servant life and live generously.” That moment that you want to fight back would be a good time to remember how our humble Savior did not retaliate against those who beat Him. It’s a good time to remember that He asked the Father to forgive them as He hung from the cross. It’s a good time to reflect on the generous grace, love, and mercy that He offers to you and do the same for those who have wronged you.

I have never experienced anything as painful or hurtful as Christ did. So if He used those occasions of rejections and pain to show us how to be living, breathing examples of a servant and to give generously of Himself through mercy and love, so can I.